I guess I just dont understand the point of extending Trout now. Why not just take advantage of a few more low salary years and then give him a monster deal towards the end of his arbitration eligible period?
Because the closer he gets to the end of arbitration, the more likely he just decides to test free agency at the age of 26. If Trout gets even to say the last two years than there is no reason for him to really take an extension since he will get 20+ in arbitration anyways. Additionally prices are just going to continue to rise so you
may be looking at a 26 year old Trout commanding 40-45M a year in FA and the Angels will probably not be able to outbid the Yankees or Dodgers.